QC/QA Assistant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Quality Control (QC) Supervisor oversees the day-to-day work of the plant's QC Operators/Technicians and supports the plant's quality and food safety programs under the direction of the Production Manager / Plant Manager. This role executes established QC procedures, verifies quality records, and helps build a strong quality culture on the production floor, while escalating policy, budget, audit, and certification decisions to plant leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Major duties include but are not limited to the following:

•     Supervise daily QC department operations and the work of QC Operators/Technicians ; schedule shifts and coordinate day-to-day assignments under the direction of the Production Manager/Plant Manager.

•     Support and help maintain the plant's Quality Management System, including HACCP plans, GMP programs, and FSMA-required preventive controls, as directed by plant/quality leadership.

•     Verify daily production folders and quality records for accuracy and completeness.

•     Make Pass/Hold judgments on finished products daily according to established criteria; escalate ambiguous or high-impact decisions to the Production Manager/Plant Manager.

•     Provide day-to-day quality-related guidance and coaching to production operators on the floor, in partnership with the Production Manager (without disciplinary or hiring/firing authority).

•     Assist in the investigation of non-conformances, customer complaints, and deviations; document findings and support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) under management guidance.

•     Maintain QC department documentation and recordkeeping in compliance with regulatory and customer requirements, including the Hold Log and Customer Complaint Log.

•     Support product label development in collaboration with R&D.

•     Assist in preparing quality-related documentation and questionnaires requested by customers.

•     Maintain the calibration and preventive maintenance schedule for QC lab and in-line testing instruments.

•     Support execution of the plant's environmental monitoring and allergen control programs.

•     Support maintenance of the plant's food safety certifications (e.g., SQF, Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO) under the direction of plant/quality leadership.

•     Assist with monthly internal audits of the facility and quality programs; support preparation for customer and regulatory audits (e.g., USDA, FDA, third-party food safety audits) led by plant/quality leadership.

•     Prepare periodic QC data summaries for review by plant/quality leadership; help track quality KPIs (e.g., defect rates, hold/release cycle time, complaint trends).

•     Coordinate with outside contractors, as directed, to repair or maintain plant facilities/equipment supporting the food safety system.

•     Support new product introductions, process changes, and validation activities from a quality perspective.

•     Track QC lab/department supplies and inventory.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

•     High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field is a plus.

•     1+ years of quality control/quality assurance experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment.

•     Prior lead or supervisory experience preferred; demonstrated ability to coordinate and coach a team.

Required Knowledge & Skills

•     Working familiarity with HACCP principles and plant maintenance.

•     Working familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

•     Basic understanding of FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements.

•     Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to coach both QC staff and production operators.

•     Solid problem-solving skills, with willingness to learn root cause analysis and CAPA processes.

•     Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).

Preferred (Not Required)

•     Exposure to SQF certification programs; additional exposure to Organic, Gluten-Free, and/or Non-GMO certification programs is a plus.

•     PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification, or willingness to obtain.

•     Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

\nCompany Description

St. Cousair, Inc. is a premium food and beverage manufacturer and co-packing partner based in Newberg, Oregon. We specialize in product development, production, and packaging of high-quality foods and beverages. We are a subsidiary of St. Cousair Co., Ltd., a family generated gourmet food company founded in Nagano, Japan. What began in the late 1970s with a single jar of homemade jam has grown into a trusted global brand known for quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.
At St. Cousair, our team brings deep expertise in creating products that stand out, whether on retail shelves or on the dining table. We combine culinary creativity, manufacturing excellence, and a passion for great food to help our partners bring exceptional products to life.

Company Description

St. Cousair, Inc. is a premium food and beverage manufacturer and co-packing partner based in Newberg, Oregon. We specialize in product development, production, and packaging of high-quality foods and beverages. We are a subsidiary of St. Cousair Co., Ltd., a family generated gourmet food company founded in Nagano, Japan. What began in the late 1970s with a single jar of homemade jam has grown into a trusted global brand known for quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.\r\nAt St. Cousair, our team brings deep expertise in creating products that stand out, whether on retail shelves or on the dining table. We combine culinary creativity, manufacturing excellence, and a passion for great food to help our partners bring exceptional products to life.